Every newcomer to thrifting experiences that defining moment. You stumble upon a stunning designer piece and realize thrift shops can be a goldmine for your wardrobe. Other times, you feel like you’re sifting through the leftovers — garments with frayed hems or jammed zippers.
Unearthing the best pieces while thrifting can take time but is usually worth it, says Carolyn Becker, thrift fashion specialist and senior manager of communications and community engagement at Goodwill of Greater Washington.
“Years ago, I’ll never forget walking into my local Goodwill and finding someone’s vintage designer wardrobe,” Becker recalls. “My heart actually skipped a beat! I still own those items. Chanel blazers, Yves Saint Laurent jackets … it felt like a thrift-store fantasy.”
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Is Buying Preowned Truly Better for Your Wallet?
Sustainable and recycled fashion has gained traction in recent years. According to Business Dasher, 37% of shoppers increased their spending on secondhand clothing last year.
When estimating how much the typical thrifter saves, Coupon Follow’s analysis approximates about $150 a month, or roughly $1,760 a year, for those who embrace buying preowned.
Beyond helping your budget, purchasing secondhand garments benefits the environment by cutting waste and mitigating pollution and labor abuses tied to the fashion sector. And as Becker points out, the excitement of a discovery can be reward enough.
“I enjoy meeting people new to thrifting because they get that first-time thrill of finding a gem at the thrift store,” Becker says. “You never forget that feeling.”
A Roadmap to Finding Stylish Thrift Store Clothing
For this how-to guide, experienced thrifters shared insider tactics for sorting through the rough stuff and spotting pieces you’ll love or items worth flipping online for profit.
Step 1: Locate a Thrift or Consignment Shop
This might seem obvious, but it’s more than just typing “thrift stores near me” into a search engine. There’s a method to selecting the right store at the right moment.
Location Matters
One thrifting trick is to check average incomes in neighborhoods and visit thrift shops in more affluent areas to increase your chances of finding designer brands.
If you’re seeking trendy streetwear or kids’ items, head to thrift stores in neighborhoods with younger families. For vintage clothing or costume jewelry, established communities with older residents can be treasure troves.
Pick Your Store Carefully
Scan local listings to get a sense of a thrift store’s stock and clientele. Some boutiques that sell used clothing are actually consignment shops where items are curated more selectively — and priced higher.
It can be smart to tour the standard thrift circuit and then check out upscale resale shops. Also, note whether your purchases support a local business or a national nonprofit.
Becker says she’s long shopped at Goodwill because of the organization’s mission, even prior to working there.
“I feel like my Goodwill finds are the best because they back the nonprofit’s work offering quality job training programs and career services to people in need,” she said.
Learn When Thrift Stores Restock
Each thrift store follows its own schedule for processing donations and shelving new items. Ask employees when new merchandise typically appears. And as with most pursuits, Becker emphasizes that patience and persistence pay off when hunting for curated secondhand fashion.
“There’s so much clothing in the secondhand world that there’s plenty to go around,” Becker insists. “From my experience, you can’t just thrift once and expect to uncover a jackpot. I visit multiple times a week or month to ensure I find what I love and need.”
Step 2: Establish Thrifting Rules
If you return from thrifting exhausted and laden with pieces you never wear, you’re in good company. Here’s how to prep for a thrift shop trip so you maximize your time and stick to your spending plan.
Make a Checklist and Set a Spending Limit
Survey your closet and note what’s missing. Decide how much you can spend and try to honor that budget. Mark any special items you may be willing to exceed the limit for, and by how much.
Give Yourself Enough Time
When you begin thrifting, you’ll quickly realize the time investment involved. Becker admits this is one of the trickiest parts for beginners. But she advises newcomers not to be discouraged — experience helps.
“A big barrier to thrifting is the time/search component — and I understand. Time is a precious resource for everyone. I tell new thrifters it gets much easier with practice; once you build that thrift muscle, you can comb through any store faster and more effectively.”
Bring Friends (and Snacks)
You wouldn’t grocery shop hungry, so don’t thrift hungry either. You’ll get irritable and indecisive if you’re famished.
While pros may zip through a store, casual thrifters can make an afternoon of it. Grab some lunch, invite friends and turn it into a fun outing you’ll remember and laugh about later.
Step 3: Thrift Like an Expert
Seasoned thrifters know the techniques for finding secondhand steals, so use these pro tips as you fill your cart.
Shop Off-Season
Sections for current-season items often look picked-over, so focus on pieces you can stash and wear later. Don’t ignore sandals or sundresses in autumn, or sweaters and boots during summer.
Inspect Garments Thoroughly
Getting home excited only to discover a stubborn stain or broken zipper is a common disappointment. That’s why it’s essential to scrutinize items like vintage dresses or denim carefully before you pay.
Try Items On
Thrifted clothes are often inexpensive, so you might be tempted to eyeball sizes. If the shop has a dressing room, take the time to try things on. Some items are low-priced because of fabric quality or fit quirks.
Ask Tough Questions
Because thrifted pieces come cheaply, it’s easy to justify “just one more.” But if you already own three gray cardigans, it’s probably smart to pass on a fourth, no matter how good the deal seems.
Step 4: Maintain Your Thrifted Clothes
After bringing your finds home, air them out and assess any small repairs needed. Wash according to care labels, resew loose buttons or give garments a quick press.
The idea that thrift store clothes always need major restoration is often overstated.
“One thing that puzzles me is when people say thrifted shoes will give you fungus,” Becker says. “Maybe it’s happened once or twice overall, but in my years of thrifting I’ve never encountered that. That said, donors shouldn’t give worn-out, unusable shoes!”
Online Thrift Platforms and Popular Apps
While much of this guidance focuses on in-person shopping, the same principles apply online. Start with reputable outlets like Goodwill’s online thrift shop for bargain finds.
Hunting for vintage pieces? Expand your search to large online thrift retailers with broad inventories from across the country or overseas.
For budget-friendly online options, consider eBay or Facebook Marketplace, where you can buy or sell gently used items without leaving your couch.
If you’re after designer labels, try Poshmark, which operates like an upscale online garage sale. Other sites stocking well-known brands include ThredUp and Thrifted.
No matter how you choose to thrift, there’s a rich supply of clothing finds waiting to be uncovered. With a bit of time and effort, secondhand shopping can be highly rewarding.
Kaz Weida is a former senior writer with Savinly.
